Having grown up in the Midwest, Mardi Gras was not a time of year that was celebrated. Sure we had a pub crawl the weekend before Fat Tuesday, but that was about the extent of the celebration. You paid your flat fee to get into all the bars downtown, someone passed out some beads, and a few bands played some “Louisiana style” music. I suppose there may have been a parade before the pub crawl began, but it was nowhere near on the scale as what you’d see here in Mobile.
I was surprised to learn when we moved here what a big deal Mardi Gras was to everyone. Natives are quick to tell you that Mardi Gras started here in Mobile, not in New Orleans. There are weeks and weeks of parades, Mardi Gras societies, Kings, Queens, Juvenile Courts, balls, kids get out of school, and Moon Pies. Moon Pies? I thought you got beads at parades! But no! You get moon pies, stuffed animals, plastic toys, candy, cups, and of course, beads.
A few weeks ago, Tate, Peanut, myself, and the in laws attended a parade down on Dauphin Island. It was very family friendly, low key, and short. It was fun, but unfortunately was cold and raining. I guess it was a little disappointing, I expected more.
We were not disappointed today. It was SO MUCH FUN!!!! I get it now! I see why Mardi Gras is SUCH a huge deal around here! Luckily the weather was great, maybe a little chilly, but sunny with very little breeze. There were two parades back to back, taking about an hour to see the whole show. We all had a blast watching the people, the horses, the floats, and the marching bands. It was hilarious to realize you coveted the cheap Peanut was even putting his arms up as the floats passed trying to catch all the throws. We made out like bandits and now that we have all this stuff, I have no idea what we’ll ever do with it all.
There are more day parades next Saturday (yay!!!!!). I can’t wait to do it all over again. Mardi Gras is definitely one of the benefits to living here.
Heather
February 11, 2007 at 1:17 pm
I’m so glad you get it now too! I didn’t get it last year. What…I’m too grown up to care about cheap beads & stuffed animals. Boy was I shown up or what? I scream and wave just like all of the others there. We must have been at the same parade yesterday afternoon. I thought it was a really good one! We racked up! And we saw one of Payton’s classmates on one of the family floats and they threw us a huge stuffed animal. Score! The coveting of cheap, cheesey throws is contagious. You can’t help but get into the energy…I love it! We should definitely plan a family group event for next weekend!
mommiebear2
February 11, 2007 at 4:01 pm
I am jealous! I have never been to Mardi Gras but would love to go. Here in TX we have a Mardi Gras in Galveston. I have never been to that one either, but promised myself that ONE DAY we will go. Hubby went to the New Orleans once in his younger days but he told me some things about it that didnt sound so great. Like the smell and people throwing garbage and getting sick in the streets. That doesnt sound very inviting. Glad you had a good time!
Sara
February 11, 2007 at 8:04 pm
Glad you had fun! We should all get up for it next week!!
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